WPC's Watershed Assistance Center Wins Western Pa. Environmental Award

This past week, WPC's Watershed Assistance Center (WAC) won an award at the first 2003 Western Pennsylvania Environmental Award dinner. WAC won in the category of Community, and was selected from more than 60 overall nominations, submitted in five categories, and evaluated by a distinguished panel of independent judges on the basis of:

• environmental need
• impact and benefit
• planning and innovation

Awards were open to individuals or organizations focusing on environmental improvements in the western Pennsylvania region. The event was sponsored by Dominion and the Pennsylvania Environmental Council.

“This award speaks to the great work being done by our grassroots partners,” said Nick Pinizzotto, Senior Director of Watershed Programs. “Without their numerous requests for assistance with their many wonderful projects, this award would not be possible. It's a tremendous example of teamwork, and we're happy to be a part of it.”

WAC addresses the restoration of Pennsylvania's many degraded waterways and helps to protect healthy watersheds that harbor abundant fish and wildlife. It was established as and continues to be a virtual "one-stop shop" for conservationists of all ages and interest levels. Its success has been guided by five service objectives: provide technical assistance to watershed groups and like-minded organizations; develop sound community-led conservation plans; abate non-point source pollution; protect "high quality" watersheds; and restore degraded stream banks.

During the same evening, John C. Oliver, past president of Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and first secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his longtime and successful efforts in conservation. Mr. Oliver is now chairman of the Allegheny County Parks Commission

Pictured in today's photo is Nick Pinizzotto (left), Senior Director of Watershed Programs, and WPC President and CEO Larry Schweiger (right) flanking John C. Oliver at the awards dinner.

Read more about WPC's Accomplishments in 2003 and our Goals for 2004.

See a slideshow - WPC -- The Year in Review

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